Fifty Shades of Jurassic Peanuts for 2015

So here we are, another year nearly upon us and a brand-new kaleidoscope of flicks coming our way. 2015 will no doubt also leave us wondering if certain projects are ever going to see the light of day (yes you, Freddie Mercury biopic), but enough of that, let us cast an eye over what’s in store.

We’ll start with a movie that’s just over a week away and will probably be talked about for all the wrong reasons, in that it’s finally going to bring the curtain down on a series that seems to have lasted a lifetime, even though it’ll only be the third instalment. Yes, January will see Liam Neeson take up the mantle of Bryan Mills one last time in Taken 3. There could well be a few hidden surprises here and there, but in terms of sequels it’s probably fair to say that only London Has Fallen will receive a more lukewarm reception.

However, it’s not all bad news. It’s true to say that we all love a good moan these days about Hollywood’s penchant for sequels, reboots and the like, but this could well be the year that proves the knockers wrong. Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Point Break and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend are just four reasons for the biggest sceptic to be optimistic. Meanwhile, two sci-fi action franchises that both saw the light of day more than thirty years ago are making a return. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back yet again for Terminator: Genisys, the first of a new trilogy, while Tom Hardy will pick up where Mel Gibson left off in the title role for Mad Max: Fury Road.

Things are also looking rosy on the adaptation front. Classic tales like Frankenstein, Far From the Madding Crowd and Cinderella will all be getting the silver screen treatment, with the latter marking a welcome return to the director’s chair for Kenneth Branagh. Aside from Sir Ken, other British big guns coming out to play include Guy Ritchie, who will be making his comeback with an adaptation of the 1960s TV series The Man From U.N.C.L.E, whilst November will see Daniel Craig make his fourth appearance as James Bond in Spectre. Let’s get back to classic tales though, because come October all eyes will be on Disney as they lay down a marker with their latest production of The Jungle Book, which will precede the Warner Bros. version, due out in 2016.

This year there will also be the expected quota of superhero pics – Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man, to name but two – and animations, of which Minions and Peanuts stand out in particular. What with all the other cartoon characters that have been brought to life recently, it’s high time the world’s favourite beagle took his 3D/CGI bow. However, love it or loathe it, 2015 will probably be most memorable for one thing above all else. Ladies, if you’re thinking Valentine’s Day will be spent all alone, fear not, because on February 13 ‘Mr Grey will see you now’! That’s right, the ‘adventures’ of Ana Steele and Christian Grey will be there for all to see in the cinematic version of Fifty Shades of Grey. JamieDornan may not be a name on everyone’s lips right now, but if there was ever a role to catapult him into their hearts and minds (mainly hearts), then this is it.

Now, no doubt you’re all dying to know what your dear sub-editor’s going to be glued to over the next twelve months, so, without further ado, here are my top five picks (in no particular order) for 2015:

1. Jurassic World

2. Terminator: Genisys

3. Frankenstein

4. The Jungle Book

5. Peanuts

If you’re now staring at your screen in disbelief, then please feel free to disagree with this shortlist and tell us about your own personal highlights in the comments section below. Finally, a very Happy New Year from all of us here at Roobla!